Influence of Minerals Fertilizer Addition and Inoculation Methods on Nodulation and Growth of Two Introduced Acacia species

Shetta, N. D.^{1, 2}

¹Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

²Plant Production Dept., Food and Agricultural Sciences College, King Saud University,  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding Author E-mail: n.shetta@yahoo.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2440

ABSTRACT: Begin with the influence of different mineral fertilizers (P:K 1:1 and NPK 1:1:1) on nodulation and growth of two introduced Acacia species grown under nursery was investigated. Two Acacia Acacia ampliceps and A. salicina were treated with combinations of N, P, and K fertilizers and two inoculation (seed inoculation and soil inoculation). Nodulation status (nodule number and nodules dry weight) in roots and plant growth parameters (seedling length, collar diameter, and shoot and root dry weight) were recorded 120 days after inoculation. Soil inoculation with Rhizobium in combination with mineral  fertilizer) significantly affected growth and nodulation compared with soil inoculations alone. Seeds inoculated with PK+ Rhizobium performed better than other treated seeds and resulted in seedlings with the most growth and root nodules. The Rhizobium strain LLR14 was highly effective in both Acacia seedlings. Acacia ampliceps was more responsive than A. salicina to Rhizobium inoculation in combination with mineral fertilizer treatments. The use of fertilizers and inoculation in the nursery may facilitate the production of superior seedlings with high growth potential, reducing the time needed to achieve canopy closure. A. ampliceps and A. salicina seedlings inoculated with Rhizobium and treated with P or K fertilizer may facilitate afforestation and reforestation programs, particularly in the  arid regions.

KEYWORDS: Introduced Acacia species; Inorganic fertilizer; Inoculation methods; Nursery conditions

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